The Need For Dynamic Stewardship

Leading through periods of complexity and numerous adaptive challenges can be frustrating, confusing, and paralyzing. Some days, it feel like we are surrounded by ambiguity, uncertainty and risk at every corner, wondering which pathway to take to get through it all. John Paul Lederach writes, “The permanence of change requires the permanence of creative adaptation.” For leaders who have not been paralyzed by complexity, this creative adaptation is built upon the foundation of one central idea, namely that the on-going and dynamic nature of complexity requires the ongoing and dynamic stewardship of relationships and social spaces. 

During times of continuous adaptivity in the midst of complexity, we must balance change and continuity through relationships. We can do this through two specific actions.  First, we must acknowledge our interdependence. As Margaret Wheatley wrote, “Nothing in the universe exists as an isolated or independent entity. Everything takes the form of relationships, be it subatomic particles sharing energy or ecosystems sharing food. In the web of life, nothing lives alone.” When we make this choice, we understand the significance and importance of a relationship centric approach to complexity. Instead of reducing the problem to local needs vs corporate needs, and subsequently to an us vs. them polarity, we must instead embrace the realization that only through healthy relationships, and continuous social networking can we generate adaptive solutions which can handle the dynamic nature of complexity. 

Second, we must “develop a capacity to see and think strategically about social spaces,” notes John Paul Lederach. When we understand that connections and interdependence are built and maintained within social spaces, then we must commit to creating these spaces, and to supporting people to meet within them. And when we gather, we as leaders must create an environment where people do not need to hide their true identities or attempt to fit in. Within these social spaces, all involved must understand that each of us belong just the way we are. Each of us are respected as unique and talented people. 

With the combination of these two elements, acknowledging our interdependence in the face of complexity, and valuing the role of social spaces as a pathway to building and maintaining relationships which will generate adaptive solutions, we are creating strategic and operational networks across the entire company foot print. As John Paul Lederach reminds us, “Who we have been, are, and will be emerges and shapes itself in a context of relational interdependency.” When dynamic stewardship is a part of an ongoing response to complexity, then we are creating capacity for today and for tomorrow. We are building bridges that promote and support the on-going evolution of all involved. 

Geery Howe, M.A. Executive Coach in Leadership, Strategic Planning, and Organizational Change Morning Star Associates 319 - 643 - 2257